MEMPHIS – From the opening kickoff going out of bounds to interceptions and fumbles, Austin Peay didn't do itself any favors in a season-opening 63-0 loss to Memphis on Saturday night.

"You have to get off to a better start," Austin Peay coach Kirby Cannon said. "You can't kick the first kickoff out of bounds and let them start on the 40. You can't throw a lazy pass out in the flat and let it get intercepted. Those things will wear your defense down.

"We played 55 plays on defense in the first half, and you can't win any games that way."

Memphis outgained the Govs 545-146, including 303 yards on the ground. Jarvis Cooper led the way with 101 yards and a touchdown on eight carries.

Austin Peay started quarterback Trey Taylor, who alternated with Darrien Boone, but they combined for only 30 yards and an interception on 6-of-16 passing.

"Darrien gives you something that Trey can't — when the quarterback needs to run, Darrien is going to be a special guy at that," Cannon said. "He runs very well, but he is still tentative and young himself and has not played football in two years. It is going to take some time on him.

"Trey has his own skill-set, and he is going to help us win ball games.

One bright spot for the Govs was running back Justin Roberson, who broke some big gains and totaled 51 yards on eight carries.

"Roberson is one of those guys that has always been explosive," Cannon said. "He is also strong enough that he doesn't go down with a sneeze. In the course of this season, he is going to have some long runs."

Said Roberson: "I felt comfortable knowing that the O-line was doing what they had to do, opening up holes. Memphis was bringing the blitz.

"They were bringing everybody and they were prepared."

Austin Peay takes a week off before playing Chattanooga on Sept 13 for the debut of the renovated Governors Stadium.